Posted on Tuesday 5 June 2007
Mercedes-Benz is reported to be developing a new version of its S-class limo equipped with an ultra-efficient Bluetec diesel engine. With a motor displacing just 2.2L, the new diesel driven S-class should return a fuel economy rating of just 6.6L per 100km, or roughly 35mpg.
We should get our first glimpse of the new car at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, with production scheduled to start towards the end of next year. Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes will be combining the four-cylinder oil-burner with its new mild-hybrid system to achieve the amazingly low consumption figures.
Mercedes previously showcased a Bluetec hybrid S-Class concept at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, but unlike the concept car which featured a V6 powerplant, the production version will run a twin-turbo four-cylinder motor that produces 204hp.
The vehicle will be in full compliance with future Euro 6 emissions standards, which are expected to roll in by 2014, and we should see its efficient powertrain eventually offered in the E and C-class range.
The European S class 320cdi achieves 34mpg Imperial(28mpg US) with 235hp and more importantly for a heavy luxury car 398lbft of torque from 1600-2800rpms( more than a the 395lbft a Hemi can muster and at half the rpms)
This article excites me not because of the Hybrid idea, but because of the engine. 204hp from a 2.2L diesel is about 93hp/Liter very unusual for a diesel and the twin turbo suggests its a sequential turbo like that on the BMW 535d. We can estimate 290lbft of torque with this engine which can pull this large sedan without any troubles.
Judging from the fuel economy of 35mpg US from the single turbo 170hp version of this Mercedes fuel pump in the E-class, that 35mpg stated for the S-class should not be that far of for a slightly heavier S-class with start-stop(\\\”Mild hybrid\\\” does not exist in my dictionary) function. This is just common sense. I would not be surprised if BMW follows up with a similar execution in the 7series. Mercedes does understand the Luxury car market more than any other automaker and this is proof of that.
great news……something which i really want…..not a petrol hybrid but a turbodiesel hybrid which an ultimate fuel saver withe the aid of Mercedes Benz fuel pump……need to wait longer before it goes into smaller and much more affordable vehicles.